Licks: meaning, definitions and examples

In slang context, refers to a small portion or hint of something.

• He didn't get a lick of sleep last night.

Often used to describe the flavor of food or drink when sampled. Can be used broadly for any experience of trying food.

• She wanted to taste the cake before buying it.
• Have you ever tasted such a delicious pie?

Used when referring to a small quantity of liquid taken into the mouth, usually to enjoy or sample a drink. Common in more formal or polite settings.

• She took a sip of her coffee.
• He savored every sip of the wine.

Used in situations where food or drink is being sampled, often in a more formal or structured setting to determine quality or preference.

• The new restaurant held a taste test for their menu items.
• He participated in a taste test to choose the best new flavor.

Describes the soft or gentle action of caressing or moving over something with the tongue. Commonly used for animals or describing persistent tries in a casual conversation.

• The puppy's licks were gentle and affectionate.
• After a few licks of paint, the old fence looked brand new.

Refers to the action of experiencing and identifying flavors using the tongue. It is often associated with humans and is commonly used in cooking, eating, and sampling foods.

• She wanted to taste the soup before adding more salt.
• The chocolate cake tasted absolutely delicious.

Refers to the action of drinking a liquid by scooping it up with the tongue, typically used for animals. This can also describe humans participating in some context related to sports or exercises, but this is less common.

• The dog began to lap water from its bowl.
• In the final lap of the race, she sped up to win.

Used mainly in the context of young mammals being fed milk by their mother. This word is less common in everyday use and has a more specific biological connotation.

• The calf began to suckle from its mother almost immediately after birth.
• The mother cat lay down to let her kittens suckle.